The Secret to the Best Summer Ever by Liz LaVoie

by Rachael Adams | Jul 20, 2023 | The Love Offering Guest Blog Series

Summer is an interesting season, to say the least. For some, the workload slows down, the office gets quieter, school is out, carpool lanes shut down for the season, vacations begin, and all is well. On the other hand, some individuals and families want to maximize the ‘slower season’ by scheduling appointments to the doctor and DIY house projects. Their calendar quickly fills up with weddings, pool parties, trips, and other social events and activities.

No matter the type of summer you planned or the season you find yourself in, it’s hard to combat the FOMO that creeps into our lives through Instagram ads, Pinterest aspirations, and our Facebook friends’ photo albums of their most recent vacation that included an all-inclusive resort.

As believers, we know these truths, such as we are called to fix our eyes on Christ (Heb. 12:2), set our hearts on things above (Col. 3:1-2), and not worry but rather seek the kingdom of God (Mat. 6:33) because this earth is not our home (Heb. 13:14). And yet, coveting our neighbor’s yard, car, or life is a common occurrence for the Christian.

The antidote to comparison is contentment. But how can we live content when we’re convinced that the grass is always greener on the other side? A practical tip is to take a social media break. When I become burnt out, over-stimulated, or resentful when sharing or scrolling, I know those are symptoms of a deeper issue. Those are signs that it’s time to delete some apps, put my phone down, and open my Bible.

And what does the Bible say? We are called to make it our goal to live a quiet life. You might be wondering what the connection is between living a quiet life and contentment.

1 Thessalonians 4: 11-12 states, “And to make it your ambition to lead a quiet life: You should mind your own business and work with your hands, just as we told you, so that your daily life may win the respect of outsiders and so that you will not be dependent on anybody” (NIV).

In the NIV translation, this passage is titled “Living to please God” and that’s the key to living content. Oftentimes, when we are idle, or in other words, busybodies, we tend to gossip. By aspiring and striving to lead a quiet life, minding your own business, and working with your own hands, you are able to tend to your own lawn instead of wasting your time and energy envying your neighbor’s life, or for the sake of this metaphor about grass, their lawn.

Maybe you feel this self-imposed pressure to create a summer full of unforgettable adventures and lifetime memories. Maybe you’re a mom navigating the challenges of wanting to stay sane and making sure your kids have fun all while limiting screen time for everyone, including yourself. Or maybe you’re a college student trying to make the most of your summer in your hometown that no longer feels like home. You may experience envy when your acquaintances seem to be hosting themed parties every week while you’re experiencing a season of loneliness or when your friends are posting about another extravagant vacation while you’re struggling to manage your smaller budget.

I’m not sure when we started putting so much pressure on ourselves to experience summers like the Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants. Maybe it’s time to take that social media break you’ve been putting off for months and start that garden you’ve been dreaming about. Friend, I know firsthand how hard combatting FOMO, envy, and discontentment is. It tends to lead to gossip and cynicism. Let’s not waste these next couple of months. I’m convinced that the secret to the best summer ever is by living a quiet life as we mind our own business, disconnect from our phones, open up our Bibles, and enjoy getting to know our neighbors for the glory of God and the good of others.

About the Author:

Liz was born and raised in southern California but lived in Mexico for five years during her teenage years. Her love of ministry, events, and mentorship was shaped by her relationships and experiences throughout her time in Mexico and college. Liz and her husband Austin moved to Louisville to attend Southern Seminary in January of 2020. Liz has loved writing since she was a young girl and launched her Toast Tuesdays newsletter in the spring of 2021. Liz currently works as a communications director for a non-profit ministry in Louisville!